Herb Cubes
Fresh herbs are an essential in our kitchen, not only do they add color and a burst of freshness to almost any meal but the health benefits of herbs are also incredible. Well before they were used in a culinary setting, herbs were celebrated for their medicinal properties.
Using fresh herbs before they go bad is a culinary struggle experienced by many home cooks and professional chefs alike.
These fresh herb cubes are a great way to extend the life of fresh herbs and a simple hack to help reduce food waste in your kitchen. They are also great time savers to have on hand for busy weeknight meals.
HERB CUBES 2 WAYS
SAVORY HERB CUBES: use any herbs you have on hand like parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, cilantro, or other. Prep a single herb or create blends of multiple herbs. You can even add an extra flavor boost with aromatics like scallion, shallot, onion, garlic, ginger, or turmeric.
How to prep:
Wash and dry the herbs you are using. Remove any tough stems. Chop up the herb leaves.
Fill each ice cube well about 3/4 way full with the herbs. We prefer to use silicone ice cube molds for this, like these.
Cover the herbs with your favorite olive oil, nearly to the top of the ice cube well, without spilling over.
Freeze the cubes for a minimum of 24 hours.
Once the cubes are completely frozen, remove from herb cubes from the ice cube tray and transfer them into a freezer safe bag, we love the silicone Stasher Bags for this but you can use any freezer-safe option. Be sure to label your bag with the type of herb (or herb blend) and the date you prepared them. We prefer to use herb cubes within one month of prep.
How to use:
Drop a cube or two into a skillet over medium-heat heat and melt. Add in your favorite veggies and give them a sauté for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. Season to your liking and serve with extra herbs for garnish.
Stir a cube into just cooked grains or beans.
Defrost the cube and use as a starter for a dressing or dipping oil.
Variation: You can swap out the oil for broth. Freeze the herbs in broth and use the herby broth cubes to add flavor to soups, stews, and gravies. Or use them to deglaze a pan.
SWEET HERB CUBES: mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lavender - also edible flowers like nasturtium or you can even add citrus peel or ginger!
How to prep:
Prep the same way as above but swap out the olive oil for freshly brewed green tea (cool to room temp before using).
Variation: Swap the green tea for your favorite plant-based milk and sprinkle in some lavender! These are delicious in a cold brew!
How to use:
For Herb-Green Tea Cubes, drop a few into a glass of sparkling water for a refreshing health supportive, low-calorie drink.
With Love,
Freshmade NYC
Let us know if you try these herb cubes and how you used them.
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